It’s coming…it’s only two days away…it’s…it’s…
The Start Of The Summer Blockbuster Season!
And it all starts with Indy. 
I was such an Indiana Jones girl. Saw the first one in the theater several times, and have seen it on video & DVD MANY times since. 2nd one…saw it once. Period. Third…over and over. So despite the fact that so many “even” numbered movies in a franchise don’t live up to the “odd” numbered ones, (I pretend Back to the Future 2 was never made!) you can bet I’ll be one of the crazies lined up to see Indy on the opening day.
I’m a little leery about the subject as I’ve heard George Lucas’s original title was (kid you not): Indiana Jones And The Saucer Men From Mars. Okey dokey. Indy meets Han Solo? Idontthinkso. But still, I’m a fan of the character (not so big on Harrison Ford, but I do love Indy!) And I’m thrilled that Marion is back. Throw in a “secret baby” sub-plot in the way of Shia LeBoeuf and I am SO there!
Come to think about it, I guess there has already been one summer blockbuster–Iron Man. I saw it and loved it. I’ve always been a big fan of Robert Downey, Jr. I’ve really rooted for him to get his act together because he had such talent and such potential. And in this movie, he absolutely nails it. He MAKES the movie–not the special effects or the cool suit or the story. His acting makes it entirely worth seeing.
The 2nd Chronicles of Narnia movie is already out, too. Haven’t seen it, but I’m sure I will. Given movie ticket prices, and the cost of gas to drive to the nearest theater, I might put that one on my “wait for the DVD” list.
One I won’t wait for the DVD on: The Happening. 
I love M. Night Shymalan movies. Yes, I know they’re schlocky and he’s trying for the “big surprise” which I’ve gotten in the first few minutes of all his films. But they’re also eerily entertaining, extremely well-paced, and, best of all, different from the rest of what’s out there!
Another biggie that I probably won’t watch at all, theater or DVD: The Incredible Hulk. I NEVER liked that guy. Not since the TV version. Just too depressing watching that cute Dad from The Courtship of Eddie’s Father having to leave place after place because Lou Ferigno got loose. And I have never had any interest in any of the movies.
The Dark Knight–another one I’m really looking forward to. 
I really like the Batman movies and think Christian Bale is a splendid Bruce Wayne. Being such a big fan of Heath Ledger, I know it will be sad to see him in this, his final role, but the previews look marvelous. I was never a big fan of Jack Nicholson’s incredibly campy The Joker. But Heath looks tons more menacing!
Mamma Mia! Can’t wait! You all know I love musicals. Not only does this one have Meryl Streetp, and Abba music, and Pierce Brosnan, but it’s also one we Plotmonkeys went to see together on Broadway a few years back. Definitely a theater experience on this one, though I won’t be breaking records to get there the minute it’s out.
Get Smart. I’ll wait and see what the reviews have to say. I loved the TV show and I really like Steve Carrell and how fabulous a choice is Anne Hathaway as Agent 99? But it has the potential to be really stupid. So I will be looking for some recommendations! 
The X Files. Oh, yeah. Opening day. I am a HUGE fan. And even my kids are into it thanks to my DVD collection. I did not like the first movie, because I never liked the whole over-riding “alien conspiracy” storyline, but I hear this movie doesn’t include any of that stuff and is more like a stand-alone X Files episode. Cool! 
There are a few others I’ve seen previews for or heard mentioned, none of which have me wanting to head for the theaters. Adam Sandler’s new Zohan one looks incredibly dumb. Will Farrell looks to be delivering more of the same in Step Brothers, and while I think his movies are also dumb, I still found myself laughing in Anchorman and Talladega Nights. Brendan Frasier, who I’ve always really liked, has two new movies out this summer–The Mummy 3 (2nd one was pretty lame with the “cute kid sidekick” — one of the things I hated about Indy 2!) And Rachel Weis isn’t in it. But Brendan is such a cutie pie, so I’m sure I’ll watch it if I’m flipping by and see it on HBO. His other flick, Journey To The Center of the Earth is a great story, but it looks really ridiculous with the 3-D stuff. So again, maybe an HBO night in a year or so.
How about you? Have you heard any buzz, or are you really looking forward to any of the above? Anybody else on the Indy countdown with me?
Leslie Kelly used to say she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up, but then she discovered Nancy Drew books. Being a flashlight-under-the-covers-nose-in-book reader throughout her childhood, she couldn’t think of anything else she’d rather do as an adult than continue to lose herself in fictional stories. Her real life marriage of 20 years to the man of her dreams is a constant reinforcement that happily-ever-afters really can happen…and that they’re worth writing about. Living in Maryland, Leslie spends her non-writing time laughing a lot with the above-mentioned romance hero and their three daughters. Though an author of more than thirty sexy, contemporary comedies, she has recently branched out to write dark romantic suspense under the pseudonym Leslie Parrish.
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Oh yeah, definitely Indy! It’s been a long time coming, and I cannot wait.
And the X-Files. Huge fan of the show. I didn’t mind the 1st movie so much, but now I’m really anxious for this one.
Can’t think of any others I just have to see, but I’m sure there will be.
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Dark Knight is not actually Heath’s last movie. He was in production on another one, whose name slips my mind, and Johnny Depp has stepped in to finish it, I believe. Heather would know. Going to see either movie is killing her.
Did you stay for the credits on Iron Man? If not, go back!!
It goes without saying I will be there for Indie! We are planning a group of us going.
Get Smart and Mamma Mia are two I am looking forward too, but not enough to deal with opening night crowds or midnight showings. X-files too.
I can’t wait for Sex and the City.
And I agree with the idea about even numbered movies- Star Trek anyone? I am looking forward to that when ever it is released.
We have a new digital Regal that just opened and it’s where we saw Iron Man (twice) and I can’t beleive the difference in the screen. And the new chairs rock and have arms that you can move out of the way if it’s a “date” night movie. Same price too which is nice to see.
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I will see Indy and can’t wait for it! I’m looking forward to Sex and the City, X-Files, Prince Caspian, Dark Knight, and Mamma Mia(love the play). I didn’t even know they had filmed The Mummy 3, thanks for the heads-up. My brother usually goes to movies first and lets me know if I should wait for the dvd. I also will be taking my 3 nieces to at least one movie this summer…must find one good for a 4 year old, 14 year old, and 17 year old. Any suggestions?
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I definitely want to see the new Indy movie and Iron Man. I love Robert Downey Jr as well. So talented!! I’m so glad he has gotten his life together. I look forward to Dark Knight as well. I understand that Heath Ledger said after he made the movie that he never wanted to go to that dark place again to play the joker. (shuddering) I watched only one episode of X-Files–It was a Christmas one. I’ve watched only one episode of Sex and the City as well. It was “out there” too! Samantha was shaving around her lover’s penis so it would appear bigger. Wow, I couldn’t believe it and on prime time too!
Here’s something interesting I read in the paper yesterday concerning Heath Ledger. Take it with a grain of salt. This guy has celeb followers like Shirley MacLaine so there is a definite woo woo factor going on.
Anyway here’s the quote:
“So that explains it: James Van Praagh, the psychic/medium who created Ghost Whisperer, claims in his new book, Ghosts Among Us, that people are surround by ghosts every day, and Hollywood is no exception. In fact, he wants to send the book to Briney Spears, as he’s certain she’s not alone. “I see people’s energy around them, and Britney Spears has two low-level ghosts attached to her. One has tattoos all over him, and the other is kind of creepy-looking,” says Van Praagh–and no, he’s not talking about Kevin Federline.”
“Around every living thing is the aura, which is the electromagnetic bubble protecting us, but if someone is overly involved with drugs or drinking and isn’t taking goo care of themselves, what happens is that little pin prick holes appear in the aura, and these lower-level antities who have nothing else to do but hang around the Earth can attach themselves and influence that person. I talk in the book about how to get rid of them.”
He also claims, “About two weeks after Heath Ledger died, he appeared to me in the mirror when I was shaving. It was really quick. He said, “I f**d up.’ He gave me the thought of his daughter, and then he was gone.”
Personally, I think this is the biggest load of crap I’ve read in a long time. This guy is like John Edwards making boat loads of money off people’s grief and deep desire to make contact with their loved ones who have passed on. Of course, he claims they won’t tell him what the “other side” is really like. Please!! Charlatans like this guy have no shame and unfortunately sleep really well at night, no doubt in their mansion or penthouse apartment.
Have a great day all,
Cher
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I’m looking forward to Get Smart, and Indy4….he is just too hot to pass up
, but the movie I’m counting the minutes to is SEX IN THE CITY :dominatrix: And even though it looks a little dumb…. 
I :wub: Adam Sandler so I’ll be sure to catch Zohan 
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Let’s see…I already made my list last weekend….
SATC (so excited to see that…it’s my inner Charlotte!)
The Sisterhood of the Travelling pants (loved those books!)
Indy (they filmed the opening of the first one at my uni, so I HAVE to see it…I am addicted to them…)
Momma Mia (who cares that it looks cheezy…..the Greek Isles look bootyful!)
(I can’t remember the fifth!).
I love summer movies…I get a sitter, go to a dinner time movie at my favorite movie theater (they have ‘living room’ type seats and deliver meals to you before the movie…not just popcorn, but real food!) and enjoy the A/C. Heaven….
(I want to see Prince Caspian, but I will wait until dvd…I still haven’t seen TLTWATW). I loved Lion, Witch as a kid….
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I saw PRINCE CASPIAN this weekend. Do NOT wait for DVD! It’s amazing, fabulous…better than the first (if that’s possible because the first one totally rocked). I haven’t read the book, so I can’t speak to that, but the grandeur of the story requires a big screen. I will go see it again.
Of course, I’ll go see Indy. Like Leslie and BTTF2, I pretend Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom didn’t exist. In fact, if the fourth one is good, why don’t we officially forget Temple of Doom and number this one THREE? Temple of Doom is one of two movies I walked out of. I can’t remember the other one right now. God, it was bad.
I can’t WAIT for Get Smart! I love Steve Carrell and I love Anne Hathaway and I love The Rock…and I loved Get Smart. I’m all over that one.
Sex in the City? Probably. I wasn’t a regular follower of the TV show since we don’t have HBO, but I’ve watched it a lot in re-runs and really like it.
And OMG…Mamma Mia! Just saw the previews. This is one of my favorite Broadway shows, so I am totally psyched to see it and plan to dance in the aisles like I did in NYC. Can’t wait!
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I can’t wait for Indiana Jones!!! I loved the first three and I”m sure I’ll love the new one.
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Haven’t seen Ironman yet. It looks great. I am going to try to see Indiana Jones this weekend. Love summer movies. We have a big old drive in in this mountain valley so it is easy to see the movies.
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We’re waiting on Indy, Dark Knight (my bil worked on the camera work for that movie), Get Smart. We’ve already seen Iron Man, but I will probably take 9 to Narnia while we’re in SoCal next week.
http://www.plotmonkeys.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/multiplespotting.gif
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:banana:I love summer movies. There are several that I want to see, but Indiana Jones is at the top of my list. I know that it has gotten mixed reviews, but I don’t care. I don’t always agree with critics anyway.
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My husband and I are planning to see Indy for our 26th wedding anniversary.
I am also on the countdown to see Sex and the City and Batman. It’s going to be a great summer for movies.
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The movie I’ve been waiting forever for, is Dark Knight. Otherwise, I don’t mind if I see all the others on DVD :).
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I actually want to see Get Smart cause I like Anne Hathaway and she is so good at physical comedy.
I also want to see Mamma Mia, I always wanted to see it but never did. I love Abba.
Another movie I want to see is the new Adam Sandler movie. I think he is hilarious and this movie looks funny.
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I love movies! Can’t wait to see Indiana Jones. Sex & The City I’d like to see even though I never watched the program on TV as I don’t have HBO. Mamma Mia seems promising, love Meryl Streep & Pierce Brosnan. In fact, I just watched Music of the Heart with Meryl Streep, a feel good movie. Can’t think of any others at the moment. Movies have not been upper most in my mind as I have to much nasty stuff going on right now. My computer crashed, it is the hard drive & I have another crises going on so….!! I miss coming to visit with the Plotmonkeys everyday. I am at a friends house using her computer but can only do that once in awhile. I hope mine is back soon.
Leslie, I read Slow Hands over the weekend. Great read, thanks for the story, it was most enjoyable. People don’t miss out reading this latest Blaze book of Leslie’s.
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I’m not much of a movie person, I’d rather read!
Pat Cochran
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Oh, yes, I had heard that Heath would be in one more. And that Johnny would be finishing the role for him. Why do I remember something about him not being the only one to play Heath’s role? That there were other actors and they were all going to play variations of Heath’s role? Can’t remember…must check.
So many of us are waiting for Indy…we should have an opening day party! Wear long slinky gowns, jewels, step out of limos. Cyberly speaking, of course.
Cher, that guy sounds like a total charlatan. Did I ever tell you guys about the seance I went to where the “ghost of Barbara Cartland” appeared? And where Bruce was told by a medium that there were two ghosts constantly walking behind him, watching over him, and they thought they were Robert E. Lee and Teddy Roosevelt?
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Katie, there was a cinema pub cafe we used to go to in Florida that served food. I LOVED it!! Wish they had one here!
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And Ev–yes, we stayed for the credits of Iron Man. Very cool! They are already planning the sequel, which comes out in April 2010. Meanwhile, Downey appears in The Incredible Hulk this summer as Tony Stark. (Even that’s not enough to make me see it, though.)
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Leslie…it’s so strange, I must have weird tastes because most of my friends complain the servings are too small (I order a sandwich, pasta salad and a dessert and eat half of the sandwich and the rest and I am fine…..hubby says they are small, but it is a tapas, people!) and not good (I like it, I guess I am weird).
I ordered your new book the other day (that’s when someone stole my credit card!), but I am excited to read it when it comes in six weeks!
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Donna, thank you so much! I’m so glad you liked it!!
And Katie–the one we went to didn’t have any gourmet meals but for sandwiches, wings, burgers…it was just fine. Plus they served beer and wine!!
(Bruce said that’s what saved him when he took our youngest to see The Barney Movie. 
Thanks for ordering the book…but it shouldn’t take 6 weeks. It’ll be in stores in a couple of days and should be shipping any day from Amazon or BN. (eHq is already shipping it.) Hope you enjoy!
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I am looking forward to seeing Indy also plus Harrison Ford was in New Haven Connecticut filming last year where I am from.
Robert Deniro was just here also a couple of weeks ago at the train station in New hVaen filiming and one of my co-workers walked over there ar lunch and she saw him she was so excited.
I saw the commercial for Get Smart and the Rock is in it also.
I want to see Hancock Wil Smith’s new movie also and Dark Knight.
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I am eagerly anticipating Indy too…I actually love Harrison Ford…mostly as Jack Ryan though…but I loved the first Indiana Jones…liked the third because my man Sean Connery was in it…I actually think Get Smart was casted well…the characters are spot on…I wonder if they are also going to remake The Avengers…that would be awesome too…the previews for Iron Man looked good, but there aren’t that many movies I want to see…I saw the preview for Hancock for the first time last night, but it didn’t really do anything for me…Will Smith did look good though…when has he never looked so delish?
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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We saw Iron Man….sigh……Robert is looking mighty fine these days. We are seeing Narnia this weekend and Indy after that. We never see the movies on opening weekend. Too crowded. Looking forward to The Happening, too. That’s the most movies we have seen in a long time!
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Indian Jones was the movie my husband took me to on our first date. Now 25 years and five kids later I can’t wait to relive the magic with him on another date.
jai
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Hi Leslie Like you I loved
the Indiana Jones movie 1 and 2. Temple of Doom I didn’t care for at all.
I am looking forward to the #4
We took the family to see Iron Man. I like it a whole lot better than I thought I would. It was really good.
I went and saw Speed Racer. I grew up watching the show back in the 70′s. I thought is was pretty good if you like CG special effects which I do like. Story line was not great but the cg and action was cool.
I can’t wait for Mamma Mia. Loved ABBA and I adore Meryl Streep.
Maybe I can get my youngest daughter to go see that with me. She loves musicals.
I don’t know If I will see Dark Knight in the theater. I was such a big Heath Ledger fan and I just think it will bother me to much.
I will probably wait and rent it. :monkey
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My grandson & I saw Indiana Jones last night at a pre-screening.
It was great to see Indy on the screen again.
I’m also looking forward to Get Smart & Wanted with James McAvoy.
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We’re going to Indy tomorrow after breakfast – that’s our tradition. LOVED LOVED LOVED Iron Man. Will go see Dark Knight, X Files and probably the Will Smith movie, and wait for the rest on DVD.